I know we are saved by grace alone, but I agree with James that faith, without works, is dead. There is also the passage in the Bible about how what we do for others is how we serve Christ. So let's talk about the many ways to express love in our lives.
Love is not just an emotion.
It is an activity.
It is a commitment.
It is charity.
It is reaching out out to others.
It is obedience.
It is our sacrifices.
It is our strength.
It is our responsibility.
It is our tolerance for others.
It is our compassion and kindness.
It is our guide.
It is our path.
It is our life's purpose and ambition.
God's commandment
It is humility . . . and much more.
Love is not . . .
Selfishness
Judgement
Greed
Cruelty
Intolerance
Fear
Dishonesty
Abuse
The Highest form of love is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Matthew 22 This means that love is you top priority in life. Note that this is not a suggestion but a commandment. Soren Kierkegaard, Works of Love.
The next Highest form of love is to love your neighbor as yourself. [Not more; not less] When asked, "Who is our neighbor?" Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who was of another religion and race. This is an important caveat.
Please do not confuse romantic love with agape love. Romantic love is fickle and even dangerous at times. It can become addictive. It can, but not always, be a tool for both God and Satan to have their will done. Combined with platonic love and agape love, it can be very pleasurable but very fragile. Do not build a house on such a shaky foundation. By house I mean marriage.
Love is not just an emotion.
It is an activity.
It is a commitment.
It is charity.
It is reaching out out to others.
It is obedience.
It is our sacrifices.
It is our strength.
It is our responsibility.
It is our tolerance for others.
It is our compassion and kindness.
It is our guide.
It is our path.
It is our life's purpose and ambition.
God's commandment
It is humility . . . and much more.
Love is not . . .
Selfishness
Judgement
Greed
Cruelty
Intolerance
Fear
Dishonesty
Abuse
The Highest form of love is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Matthew 22 This means that love is you top priority in life. Note that this is not a suggestion but a commandment. Soren Kierkegaard, Works of Love.
The next Highest form of love is to love your neighbor as yourself. [Not more; not less] When asked, "Who is our neighbor?" Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who was of another religion and race. This is an important caveat.
Please do not confuse romantic love with agape love. Romantic love is fickle and even dangerous at times. It can become addictive. It can, but not always, be a tool for both God and Satan to have their will done. Combined with platonic love and agape love, it can be very pleasurable but very fragile. Do not build a house on such a shaky foundation. By house I mean marriage.
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